{"id":16658,"date":"2024-05-02T05:47:04","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T10:47:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bbinsurance.com\/?post_type=insight&p=16658"},"modified":"2024-05-02T05:47:04","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T10:47:04","slug":"3-strategies-for-fostering-brain-health-at-work-it-starts-at-the-top","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.bbrown.com\/us\/insight\/3-strategies-for-fostering-brain-health-at-work-it-starts-at-the-top\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Strategies for Fostering Brain Health at Work \u2014 It Starts at the Top"},"content":{"rendered":"

3 Strategies for Fostering Brain Health at Work \u2014 It Starts at the Top<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Powell Brown<\/p>\n

A recent study shows that mental health (or brain health as we refer to it here at Brown & Brown) is now considered by many Americans to be a greater risk to public health than cancer<\/a><\/span>. It is in the top spot for younger Americans, with 22% of 18- to 29-year-olds identifying it as the greatest threat, above opioids and obesity.<\/p>\n

We spend a lot of our lives at work \u2014 approximately 25% of our time for people working the typical 40-hour week. That is a substantial investment of time and energy, and at Brown & Brown, prioritizing the health and well-being of our team and supporting brain health is a top priority. It\u2019s also a way to support & prioritize our teammates.<\/p>\n

In 2018, we lost three teammates to suicide \u2014 any number higher than zero is too high. That experience dramatically impacted my personal journey as a human being, a teammate and a business leader.<\/p>\n

Last year, my brothers and I created the Shifting Gears on Brain Health<\/a><\/span> foundation to help raise awareness and funds to support brain health. We committed to taking on the Haute Route Alps, widely considered the highest and toughest amateur cycling race in the world, and through the support of a lot of awesome people and partners, we raised a lot of money to support organizations contributing to brain health research, education, prevention and treatment. But there is a whole lot more work to do.<\/p>\n

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the health and well-being of our teams are an essential priority year-round, it\u2019s a good time for leaders to refocus and recommit to building a culture of empathy, support and understanding.<\/p>\n

Here are three strategies to help you prioritize brain health and wellness:<\/p>\n

1. Start at the top.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leadership must be committed to brain health \u2014 \u201cbuy-in\u201d is not enough. Leaders set the tone for the entire organization. When executives actively talk about and demonstrate their commitment to brain health, it sends a powerful message and becomes a true organizational value.<\/p>\n

Start with open dialogue. Leaders should initiate conversations about the importance of brain health, destigmatize discussions around mental illness and encourage employees to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. When you create a culture of openness and transparency, leaders can help break down barriers to seeking help and promote a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.<\/p>\n

2. Make an investment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Investing resources \u2014 money, time, effort \u2014 into programs and initiatives to promote well-being helps embed it into the culture.<\/p>\n

The concept of holistic well-being is anchored in acknowledging our four pillars of health<\/a><\/span>: physical, spiritual, financial and mental (brain). A lot of companies address physical health through wellness programs and financial health through benefits like tuition reimbursement and stock purchase plans, but only more recently have invested in resources to support brain health.<\/p>\n

Resources that build support for brain health include:<\/p>\n